The House yesterday approved legislation permanently extending a special tax break for farmers, ranchers and other landowners who agree to spare their properties from development.

The House voted 279-127 for H.R. 644, a package of three bills to spur charitable giving that includes H.R. 641, by Reps. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), to permanently extend an enhanced tax deduction for conservation easements. The deduction, which expired last December, rewards landowners, particularly farmers and ranchers, who keep their lands available for wildlife, recreation and scenery.

The measure, which is expected to cost more than $1 billion over the next decade, is strongly backed by conservationists, sportsmen and agricultural groups that argue it will accelerate the rate of land protection.

"Federal lawmakers made clear today they share our firm belief that land conservation is good for America and Americans," said Rand Wentworth, president of the Land Trust Alliance. "As we work with our Senate allies to advance this bipartisan bill, we will continue to emphasize the value of keeping working lands in working hands."

As they have in the past, most Democrats opposed the package because it contains no offset for its estimated $11 billion price tag. But 39 Democrats joined all but one Republican, Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.), in backing the passage.

The White House threatened to veto the package due to the absence of offsets.